Effutu sacred forest not sold for lithium mining – Afenyo-Markin
The Member of Parliament for Effutu, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has strongly denied allegations made by some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding the sale of the sacred forest of Effutu for lithium mining.
Speaking before the Parliamentary Press Corps, Afenyo-Markin labeled the accusations as false, emphasizing that there is no truth to the claim that the sacred forest, traditionally used for deer hunting during the Aboakyir festival, has been sold for lithium mining.
He clarified that the Minerals Commission two years ago issued a statement to the effect that such application has not even been received by them, let alone approving for the company to mine lithium in that sacred forest where they hunt for deer during ‘Aboakyir’.
Afenyo-Markin, who also serves as the Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament, urged his colleagues in the NDC to focus on addressing the challenges facing constituents and engaging in developmental issues rather than spreading what he called misinformation and lies.
He emphasized that such practices do not contribute positively to democracy.
The MP further highlighted that the Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission has refuted the allegations, stating that no lease agreement for the mining of lithium in the mentioned area has been signed.
The Effutu traditional area has been designated as a forest reserve for over 300 years, specifically for the protection of bushbuck, in preparation for the annual Aboakyir festival, which involves a traditional hunt.
The festival is celebrated by the people of Winneba in the Central Region of Ghana.
